About SOAR

SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) is a comprehensive orientation program designed to support newly admitted transfer students transition – both academically and socially – to California State University, Long Beach. All first-time freshmen are required to complete two components of the University-required orientation and advising program: An Online Pre-SOAR Program and a SOAR Freshman Campus Experience. This freshman experience has two options - either a One-Day Freshman Workshop OR the Freshman Overnight Program. Details regarding the online program and freshman experience will be emailed once you are formally admitted to the University and have submitted your CSULB Enrollment Deposit.

After competing the Online Pre-SOAR Program, first-time freshmen will participate in a SOAR Freshman Campus Experience where you will learn about University history & traditions, meet other freshmen, be introduced to campus resources and services, and receive assistance with course selection and registration.

Which Exams Am I Required to Complete Before Attending SOAR?

All freshmen MUST complete any required placement exams prior to attending SOAR. Your CSULB Admission Letter explains if you are required to complete the English Placement Test (EPT) and/or Entry Level Math (ELM). These exams are used to help advisors place you into appropriate academic courses. Your admission to CSULB will be rescinded if you do not complete these exams by the deadline.

If you believe you are exempt from the EPT and/or ELM, visit Testing and Evaluation to double check the required exam scores and download an exemption form.

What To Do Before And After Attending Your SOAR Freshman Campus Experience?

The following is a list of important deadlines and responsibilities all freshmen must complete.

Submit Admitted Student Reply and Enrollment Depositby December 1 or within two weeks of receiving admission to CSULB. Use your MyCSULB account to accept admission and submit your deposit.

Make Your SOAR Freshman Campus Experience Reservation – login to MyCSULB via Single Sign-On. After entering your Beach ID number and password, click on the MyCSULB icon. You will then be directed to another link where you can make your workshop reservation.

Complete the Online Pre-SOAR Program – login via Single Sign-On.
After entering your Beach ID number and password, click on the BeachBoard icon. Under My Courses, click on Online Pre-SOAR Program to get started with the program. Be sure to complete this online program within a week prior to your schedule on-campus workshop. Please note that you will have access to this online program starting Monday, November 27.

Send your final official transcripts to CSULB's Enrollment Services by January 10. This includes any college credit earned at a university and/or community college.

Bring with you to your SOAR Freshman Campus Experience the following items: A photo identification (driver’s license, state issued ID, passport, high school ID, or community college ID); a copy of AP or IB scores and/or college transcripts; a printed copy of your Online Freshman Advising Survey; and (if possible) a laptop or tablet with Internet capability – you will use this to register for classes

Pay fees by designated deadline listed on your MyCSULB account. Pay via MyCSULB or visit Enrollment Services forpayment options. Student who have accepted a Financial Aid award may have deferred fees. Please visit the Finances section found in the Student Center page of yourMyCSULBaccount to view your amount due and deadlines.

Pay for your one-day, virtual parking permit. Visit CSULB Online Parking Services to purchase a virtual permit prior to arriving for your Freshman Campus Experience – you will need your campus ID number, MyCSULB password, car’s license plate, and car’s make/model to complete this transaction. If you do not purchase a virtual permit prior to arriving for SOAR, you may purchase a one-day permit at one of the gold parking pay stations located in parking lots G6 and G4.

Update and keep current your contact information on MyCSULB. It is important for you to update your personal telephone numbers and email accounts so that CSULB can send you notices regarding critical information and upcoming deadlines along with keeping in contact with you in the event that an on-campus emergency occur

Welcome Back to The Beach...the first day of classes is Monday, January 22, 2018.

What Is the Online Pre-SOAR Program and the SOAR Freshman Campus Experience?

The Online Pre-SOAR Program introduces our campus community and your responsibilities as a community member, as well as resources and services to help you maintain a well-balanced life. SOAR hopes by presenting these key topics you will have a better understanding of the University’s inclusive excellence, expectations of its community members, and how it supports your individual growth.

Details regarding the online program will be emailed once you are formally admitted to CSULB and have submitted your CSULB Enrollment Deposit.

The SOAR Freshman Campus Experience provides you an orientation to life at The Beach and introduction to University academic requirements. Freshmen can choose to attend a Freshman One-Day Workshop or participate in the Freshman Overnight Program.

The Freshman One-Day Workshop is a day-long program that begins at 8:00am (check-in outside Brotman Hall) and concludes at approximately 5:00pm (various locations throughout campus). You receive some gifts and a SOAR lunch with your paid SOAR fee. Here’s what to expect during the Freshman One-Day Workshop:

Take a walking tour that emphasizes buildings and resources specific to your declared major

Learn about opportunities to become involved with academic and student clubs/organizations

Become familiar with student support services, programs and resources

Participate in an academic advising session that introduces CSULB policies, procedures, deadlines and responsibilities; presents General Education and major requirements; explains how to use the online advising tools and Schedule of Classes; provides group and one-on-one academic advisement from your assigned college advisors; and assists with selection of first semester classes

The Freshman Overnight Program is a two-day program where you can experience the residence halls and participate in an extended orientation program. Visit the Freshman Overnight Program website for detailed information.

When Can I Attend a SOAR Freshman Campus Experience?

You must choose one of the SOAR Freshman Campus Experiences: either a Freshman Overnight Program (offered during the summer only) or a One-Day Freshman Workshop. Each experience provides the essential components of SOAR – campus tour, academic advising, and assistance with course selection and registration.

Want to know which college your major falls under? Click on CSULB Degrees to view a list of all college and their respective undergraduate majors/degrees.

College Abbreviations
CBA: College of Business
CHHS: College of Health & Human Services
CLA: College of Liberal Arts
CNSM: College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
COE: College of Engineering
COTA: College of the Arts
Liberal Studies: College of Education (elementary education)

A confirmation email with your assigned start time and check in location will be sent to you prior to your scheduled workshop. Contact SOAR if you do not receive a confirmation email or have any concerns – call (562) 985-5515.

SOAR Freshman One-Day Workshops
Spring 2018 Admits

Dates

Workshop Description

Tuesday, January 16

All freshmen including CBA, CHHS, CLA, CNSM, COE, COTA and Liberal Studies freshmen are invited to attend this SOAR workshop

Fall 2018 Admits:
SOAR Freshman Overnight Program

The Freshman Overnight Program is an opportunity for newly-admitted students to begin their academic and social transition to The Beach during a two-day program in which they live in the residence halls, explore campus life, and create connections with other students.

Summer 2018 Dates: TBA

Eligibility Information: Open to all Freshmen

What Is The Cost?

There is a separate fee for each of the SOAR Freshman Experience - $62* for the One-Day Freshman Workshop or $130 for the SOAR Freshman Overnight Program (which is offered during the summer only). To guarantee your selected freshman experience date, you must pay at the time you make SOAR workshop reservation. Acceptable online forms of payment are e-check (no convenience fee) and credit card (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, or American Express with a 2.75% service charge).

*Please note that the SOAR fee may increase starting Spring 2018.

The SOAR fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. There is no fee waiver for this program.

How Do I Make My SOAR Freshman Campus Experience Reservation?

The first day to reserve your space for your SOAR Freshman Campus Experience is 9am on Monday, November 6, 2018. Reservations will continue to be accepted for a particular workshop/program as long as there is space available. The deadline to reserve your space is Tuesday, January 2, 2018. New students who still need to make a reservation after the deadline should contact SOAR for assistance. Call (562) 985-5515 or e-mail soar@csulb.edu.

Submit your Admitted Student Reply and required Enrollment Deposit by December 1. You make your SOAR Freshman Campus Experience reservation AFTER submitting your intent to enroll and deposit. Please note that the CSULB Enrollment Deposit is separate from the SOAR fee.

Space is limited per workshop/program date and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Make your SOAR reservation at least three weeks prior to the date you select to receive your workshop confirmation and parking information.

Login to Single Sign On by using your University student ID number and password.

Select the MyCSULB icon.

Look under the My Menu header on the left side to see Student Center – click on this link.

Look under the Admissions section located at the bottom of the page to see SOAR Sign Up – click on this link to view available on-campus workshops, select your preferred on-campus date, and submit your payment.